we grow our own food!!!!

We Grow our Own Food!!!!

Janelle Brooksjd_brooks@knights.ucf.edu

April 16, 2010EEX 4070

Early PerceptionsReflecting back on my days in elementary, I can

recall growing a garden at my afterschool program. I thought it was interesting and fun. Therefore, I chose to revisit my memories with these kids.

Ormond Beach YMCA

Demographics

Students creating markers A group of boys painting markers Pulling and digging up grass

This young girl pulled a big weed He’s getting down and dirty The progress!!!

All About Me!!!My name is Janelle Brooks and I love giving back. I find myself constantly

involved in church or community activities. I mentor teenage girls, tutor

kids, and provide college prep assistance. At my father’s church I have

put together youth services and started a tutoring program. I’ve even

bought a young lady from my church a prom dress. Overall I am unselfish

and love to see young people

succeed!

Engagement ActivitiesI provided art materials for the children to use, bought seeds, mulch and

fertilizer, water the garden and created the labels for the garden. I met Mary Moriarty in a prior class and became friends. Mary works at the

YMCA and I told her I need to do a project and informed me they have a “mainstream” setting afterschool program.

Participant DemographicsThe students ethnic backgrounds were Hispanic, African American, and

Caucasian. All spoke English as their primary language. The students were in grades K-5th. Some participants have ADD/ADHD and on meds, Aspergers, partially deaf, Emotionally disturbed, speech impediments, Learning disabled, and “normal”.

This student is partially deaf and has sight problems Student on the left has Aspergers and

boy next to her is on meds for ADHD

The boy in the jacket is emotionally disturbed

Reflections

I enjoyed this experience. I was able to bond with the students. I

love them so much, I applied to work there as a counselor and

was hired!! I constantly go back to water and check on the

garden. I want to do another project with these kids, but

don’t know what I will do yet. The staff and parents were

super friendly.

Reflections cont.

From this experience I have developed a stronger patience level.

I was a little skeptical about working with elementary kids, but

I would have missed out on their wonderful personalities. I

have learned not to prejudge these kids and give them a

chance to prove to me their capabilities.